Adversity no obstacle for Whitecaps FC

Every team goes through some adversity over the course of the season, but it’s hard to fathom what Vancouver Whitecaps FC have already battled through so far in 2011.

“It’s some of the most fun I’m having and some of the toughest times I’m having,” goalkeeper Jay Nolly said after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with New England Revolution. “We’re four games in and we’re just going to try and keep going. It’s an honour to be a part of this organization with these fans behind us.”

In their four matches, the ‘Caps have been on the wrong side of three red cards, playing nearly half their time on the field down a man, and for a period of their last match, down two men.

They’ve also had countless injuries and international call-ups – losing captain Jay DeMerit to both – depleting their line-up match after match. Teitur Thordarson’s men, though, have persevered through it all.

“The first thing that comes to mind is just the togetherness,” said DeMerit. “You see it when we train every day, and that as a foundation is huge for us, especially in season one.”

That togetherness has allowed the ‘Caps to earn two points in games that they had no business even being competitive. Last weekend, they found themselves down 3-0 with less than 20 minutes remaining against Sporting Kansas City, but fought back for a 3-3 draw. On Wednesday, they were down to nine men for most of the second half against the Revolution, but led up until the last minutes of a 1-1 draw.

“Guys have showed a lot of character these last couple games,” midfielder John Throrrington said. “We’ve accepted the challenge and really dug deep and it’s a result of our hard work that we’ve gotten these points.”

While the positive attitude of the team will no doubt serve them well throughout the season, there is no escaping the fact that they’ve dropped some important points. However, Whitecaps FC remain confident and look forward the next challenge that will come their way.

“I think our performances in every game so far this season have been great,” said midfielder Terry Dunfield, who will miss Sunday’s match at Houston Dynamo with an injury. “Now it’s important that we turn those into points and we have a good opportunity this weekend in Houston.”

Whitecaps FC play in Texas on Sunday afternoon in a first-ever meeting with two-time MLS Cup winners Houston Dynamo. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. PT and is live on Rogers Sportsnet and Bell mobile devices. 'Caps fans can also listen to the April 10 contest live on TEAM 1410 radio and teamradio.ca, starting with the pre-game show at 2 p.m. PT. TEAM 1410 will also have a two-hour post-game show, which will begin following the match at around 6 p.m. PT.

Whitecaps FC Major League Soccer 2011 season tickets are available at a pro-rated price, starting at $268. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com.